Hypothetical benefit amounts for a person who claimed benefits in January 2000 a (in dollars)

Earnings

Age 62

Age 65

Low earner

518

598

Average earner

853

987

High earner

1,110

1,279

Maximum earner

1,241

1,433

SOURCE: Office of the Chief Actuary, SSA.

a. Low earnings are defined as 45% of the national average wage index, average earnings are equal to the index, high earnings are 160% of the index, and maximum earnings are equal to the OASDI contribution and benefits base.